Assessment Rationale:

This species is endemic to Madeira, where it is mainly restricted to the northern coastline. It is present at over 11 locations, and could be present in the more inaccessible cliffs between the recording points (Seddon, pers. comm, 2010). The species was previously assessed as Least Concern (LC), based on the low level of threats to the cliff locations. The level of threats remain the same, and so at present uplift to Near Threatened is not recommended, however, should any major plans than may disrupt the small waterfalls along the north coast then higher threat category would be more appropriate.

Geographic Range:

This species is endemic to Madeira, where it is mainly restricted to the northern coastline, where it is present at over 11 locations, and could be present in the more inaccessible cliffs between the recording points (Seddon, pers. comm, 2010). The most frequent records come from the north-west coast between São Vicente and Porto Moniz.

Regions:
Portugal - Madeira

Extent of Occurrence (EOO):
(km2)

Area of Occupancy (AOO):
120 (km2)

Elevation Lower Limit:
(m)

Elevation Upper Limit:
(m)

Biogeographic Realms:
Palearctic

Presence:
Extant

Origin:
Endemic Madeira

Seasonality:
Resident

Population:

Population trend data is not available, however believed to be stable at present.

Habitat and Ecology

This species is found in dripping Marchantia polymorpha on the sea- cliffs above the sprayzone, usually in wet flushes or edges of waterfalls.

Major Threat(s):

The major threats lie in the disturbance of habitats, which are quite restricted in ecological type. The risks come from road widening schemes along the coastal cliffs.

Conservation Actions

Habitat monitoring would be necessary in order to establish whether populations are declining. Any road widening scheme on the north coast cliff road needs to review the potential impacts on this species.